The Need

The Challenge

The Opportunity

Turn recreation centers into technology centers where city kids can thrive.

what happened?

From September 12 to 16th, 2016, something big happened at the City of Pittsburgh’s rec centers—they turned into tech centers where kids learned to use technology to express their creativity, solve real-world problems, and build job-ready skills.

How did it work?

Each afternoon from September 12th to 16th, local educators hosted hands-on activities at participating rec centers where kids learned new skills and used them to solve a community challenge. Each session also included physical activity plus a healthy snack and dinner.

Who participated?

Kids age 7–12 participated. Rec2Tech was completely free and open to the public.

Rec2Tech took place at five Citiparks rec centers across Pittsburgh. Local learning organizations provided unique, themed programming.

Beltzhoover

Warrington Rec Center

Making & Breaking the Web
with the Digital Corps

Carrick

Phillips Rec Center

Tech Solutions for Green Living
with TechShop Pittsburgh

Greenfield

Magee Rec Center

High-Tech Health
with Sisters e S.T.E.A.M. & Citizen Science Lab

Lincoln-Lemington

Paulson Rec Center

Game Design Studio
with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

South Side

Ormsby Rec Center

Exploration and Expression
with Assemble & YMCA

demo party

On Saturday, September 17th at Schenley Plaza, Rec2Tech participants came together to celebrate the week and show off what they learned at a free, public party.